Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$599.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$532.77
Amazon
5.0 (1)
$599.99
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$540.20 New
$305.00 Used

Average Price: $518

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AL40 Albert Lee Signature". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Experience the perfect blend of vintage style and modern performance with the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AL40 Albert Lee Signature electric guitar. This guitar is a nod to the legendary Albert Lee, embodying a unique combination of versatility and balance. Built with a retro offset body shape, the AL40 features a lightweight poplar body that promises extended playing comfort. Its roasted maple neck enhances stability and smooth playability, making it a joy for both beginners and seasoned pros.

Equipped with Sterling-designed P-90 pickups, this guitar delivers a wide tonal range, offering everything from crisp, sparkling cleans to gritty, overdriven sounds. The 12-inch-radius rosewood fingerboard is lined with 22 narrow frets, providing a sleek and responsive playing experience. The AL40 also includes a 2-point, vintage-style tremolo system that allows for expressive pitch modulation without compromising tuning stability.

Whether you're jamming in a studio or performing live, the Albert Lee Signature AL40 is built to be your go-to instrument, providing a robust platform for your musical creativity. With its rock-solid die-cast tuning machines and intuitive controls, this guitar is as reliable as it is inspiring.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight poplar body with retro offset design
  • High-performance roasted maple neck
  • 12-inch-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 narrow frets
  • Sterling-designed dual P-90 pickups
  • 2-point, vintage-style tremolo system
  • Sealed die-cast tuning machines
  • One volume knob, one tone knob, and a 3-way pickup selector switch

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Albert Lee Signature
Body Material Poplar
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Roasted Maple
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 22, Narrow
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Polyphenylene Sulfide
Bridge/Tailpiece Vintage Tremolo
Tuners Chrome Die-cast
Neck Pickup Music Man P-90 Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Music Man P-90 Single-coil
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone
Switching 3-way blade pickup switch
Strings Ernie Ball Slinky, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AL40's P-90 pickups?

The AL40's P-90 single-coil pickups deliver a bright, punchy tone with a balanced midrange, making it suitable for rock, blues, and indie styles. They offer a unique blend of clarity and grit, perfect for cutting through a mix.

Is the Sterling by Music Man AL40 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the AL40 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, lightweight poplar body, and versatile tone options. Its playability and quality construction make it an excellent choice for new players.

How does the Sterling by Music Man AL40's neck profile affect playability?

The AL40 features a roasted maple neck with a 12" radius, providing smooth playability and comfort for both chordal and lead playing. Its bolt-on design enhances stability and sustain.

Does the Sterling by Music Man AL40 have a tremolo system?

Yes, the AL40 is equipped with a vintage-style tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects while maintaining tuning stability.

What is the body material of the Sterling by Music Man AL40, and how does it influence the sound?

The AL40's body is made of poplar, which contributes to a balanced tone with a slightly warm low end and clear highs. This makes it versatile across various music genres.

How many frets does the Sterling by Music Man AL40 have, and what is the scale length?

The AL40 has 22 narrow frets and a scale length of 25.5 inches, offering a familiar feel for players accustomed to standard electric guitar dimensions.

GAK

GAK

Musicman Sterling Albert Lee!

Video thumbnail for Musicman Sterling Albert Lee! by GAK

Musicman Sterling Albert Lee!

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man: Albert Lee Demo (ft. Horace Bray) - AL40 by Ernie Ball

Sterling by Music Man: Albert Lee Demo (ft. Horace Bray) - AL40

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Sterling By Music Man Albert Lee Signature - Affordable Guitar Review by The Guitaristas

Sterling By Music Man Albert Lee Signature - Affordable Guitar Review

The Guitaristas

The Guitaristas

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Albert Lee AL40 - Budget Friendly Albert Lee Signature Guitar by PMTVUK

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Albert Lee AL40 - Budget Friendly Albert Lee Signature Guitar

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for BRAND NEW Sterling Musicman AL40 Albert Lee Signature Guitar FULL REVIEW by Cameron Cooper

BRAND NEW Sterling Musicman AL40 Albert Lee Signature Guitar FULL REVIEW

Cameron Cooper

Cameron Cooper

Reviews

PROS

  • Factory upgrades include versatile P90 pickups for enhanced sound

  • Lightweight design, just over 6.5 pounds, ensures comfortable playability

  • Roasted Maple neck and smooth Rosewood fretboard offer a premium feel

  • C shape neck and 12" fretboard make it easy to play

  • Contoured body design enhances comfort for extended playing

  • Offers surprising tonal variety with the 5-way switch

  • High-quality build punches above its price range

  • Smaller body form factor is comfortable and manageable

CONS

  • Considered pricey for a S.U.B. version from Sterling

  • Limited upgraded feature options available for this model

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AL40 Albert Lee Signature.

Build quality

  • The neck wood appears to be flat-sawn, lacking the quarter-sawn, roasted, or exotic characteristics expected in higher-end models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Sterling models typically have non-locking tuners and a bridge without branding, differing from Music Man's Schaller locking tuners and branded bridges.

    Source
  • Some versions are active with a battery compartment, which aligns with modern variations.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Reviewed: Sterling by Music Man Albert Lee AL40 - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

Sterling by Music Man's AL40 Albert Lee Signature guitar dazzles with its striking design and lightweight mahogany body, making it a standout in both playability and aesthetics. The smooth jatoba fretboard and comfortable neck enhance the playing experience, while the dual humbuckers deliver versatile tones, from warm neck sounds to bright bridge twang. However, the rough fret edges could have benefited from better finishing, and the non-locking tuners, though stable, indicate some cost-cutting measures. Overall, this budget-friendly option successfully captures the essence of the original signature model, appealing to both beginners and seasoned players alike.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
johnly

Great, but I wish they made a non-SUB series version!

Solid HH split coils guitar! Good variety of tones with the 5-way switch. It is a bit pricey for a SUB version offering from Sterling, and I wish they offered one with upgraded features for a bit more money.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sedona Schat uses Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AL40 Albert Lee Signature

Sedona Schat

Singer, Guitarist

CAFUNÉ

...
Verified via YouTube

In the beginning of this video she plays the Albert Lee Signature for the first song (Perspective)

Album Usage

The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AL40 Albert Lee Signature has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AL40 Albert Lee Signature, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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